Locked in a tower to prove her claim or face death, she is visited by . He offers to spin the gold in exchange for her firstborn child. However, Cora convinces him to teach her the magic instead. As they work together, they fall in love and plan to run away, changing their contract so the child will be theirs .
This marks the first time Snow White commits a dark act, causing her own heart to begin to darken. Critical Reception and Trivia [S2E16] The Miller's Daughter
In the present day, Cora and Regina are on the hunt for the Dark One’s dagger to control Mr. Gold, who is dying from a poisoned wound inflicted by Hook in New York. Locked in a tower to prove her claim
This episode is critical for understanding the "Nature vs. Nurture" theme of the show. It highlights: As they work together, they fall in love
The title refers to the classic fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin , where a miller's daughter must spin straw into gold.
At the last moment, Cora realizes that love is a weakness that will keep her from power. She rips out her own heart to remain cold and calculating, choosing to marry Prince Henry and become royalty rather than flee with Rumplestiltskin.